Shen Run had always been disdainful of others. In his view, perhaps no one except the Emperor himself was worthy of a second glance from him.
Now that he had come, it was as if he was doing Old Madam Xie a favor by simply being present. He perfunctorily clasped his hands and said, “The household is quite busy right now, so I apologize for not properly attending to you, Old Madam. Your timing is quite coincidental—I’ve only just returned home myself. Since we’re preparing for a wedding celebration, I must personally oversee everything. We can’t let others think we’re not taking it seriously… This is the difficulty of not having parents around; one must handle everything oneself.”
The Old Madam nodded in agreement. “Nothing in this world is perfect. Now that you hold such a high position as Imperial Guard Commander, those capable must bear more responsibility. After all, this is a matter of lifelong importance that cannot be treated carelessly.”
Though the Old Madam was filled with regret, all she could feel now was melancholy. They had truly missed their chance; they shouldn’t have approved Li Congxin back then. She had thought his lone courage and willingness to risk everything for Qingyuan would mean that once he inherited the title, the Xie family would have secured a solid connection with the Marquis’s mansion. With intermarriage binding the younger generations together, even forming marriage ties with the imperial family wouldn’t have been difficult. Who knew a young man’s feelings would prove so unreliable, that such passion would not last? Moreover, while pre-marital indiscretions might have been forgivable, what mattered most was how Qingruo had clung to him while he remained indecisive and hesitant. No wonder Qingyuan wasn’t satisfied.
One wrong move had led to everything falling apart. Otherwise, why would she now have to swallow her pride and personally come begging for favors from someone of the younger generation? All these red and green decorations should have been for Qingyuan. Truth be told, when someone was busy preparing to marry another family’s daughter, what connection did the Xie family have with his Shen family besides that secret transaction of ten thousand taels of silver? How could they trouble them at such a time?
The Old Madam was momentarily at a loss for words. Since he hadn’t asked why she’d come, it was difficult to broach the subject. As she was considering how to proceed, she saw him lean against his armchair and smile. Setting aside that air of accomplished confidence, when it came to Commander Shen’s looks and bearing, he truly was incomparable.
“I also have difficulties I cannot speak of. If my family hadn’t met with misfortune if my parents were still alive, I wouldn’t have had to put aside official duties and rush back to handle these matters,” he said while raising his teacup toward Old Madam Xie. “Please, Old Madam, have some tea.”
The Old Madam made a sound of acknowledgment and held the teacup in her hands, feeling the mild warmth against her fingertips as her palms slowly began to sweat.
Shen Run maintained his aloof manner, lowering his eyelashes as he spoke: “However, because our household has so few members, we especially cherish the relationships that don’t come easily. Has Old Madam heard of the special privileges of the Three Commands? The Palace Command, the Guard Cavalry Command, and the Guard Infantry Command all receive the Emperor’s grace. As Commander of the Palace Command now, once I become Military Commissioner, my wife can be officially titled Commandery Princess. There’s currently an opportunity for military merit, and after this campaign, the position of Military Commissioner shouldn’t be far off.” He sighed deeply. “I don’t care about my official position; I’m striving with all my might just to secure my wife the title of Commandery Princess. Since her family has married their daughter to me, I cannot let them regret making the wrong choice.”
The Old Madam felt increasingly uncomfortable. Because of Xie Shu, she had received the title of Commandery Grand Madam, and Lady Hu had been titled Commandery Princess, but these had come only after more than a decade of bitter waiting. For the Mu family’s second daughter to achieve such status at such a young age—how could one not sigh at the vagaries of fate and fortune?
Seeing the Old Madam’s expressions shift countless times, Shen Run, having laid sufficient groundwork, slowly brought the conversation back to the main topic: “I’ve been chatting idly with Old Madam and completely forgot to ask—what brings you to visit my residence today?”
The Old Madam made a sound of acknowledgment and, after careful consideration, cautiously explained her purpose for coming. Finally, she said awkwardly, “By rights, I shouldn’t disturb you during your wedding preparations, but the situation is truly desperate now. Our family spent all of yesterday running around without results. After much thought, only you, Commander, can save the Xie family from this crisis.”
Having heard this, Shen Run’s response was ambiguous: “I heard His Majesty mention this matter, and I discussed it with Chengbin when I returned. General Xie is a veteran who has fought on battlefields for many years—I wonder what went wrong this time that he couldn’t even capture a small stone fortress.”
The Old Madam grew even more uncomfortable, tucking her hands away as she said, “Military campaigns depend on timing, terrain, and morale. Battlefield situations change in an instant—how can one explain it clearly?”
Shen Run nodded, “Indeed.” However, after these two words, there was no further response.
The Old Madam knew that he would not voluntarily extend help now, so she had to speak plainly: “Regardless, I beg the Commander to think of some way to help us. As long as you can help the Xie family out of this predicament…”
“Why didn’t Fourth Miss come?”
The Old Madam was speaking passionately when he suddenly interjected this question, then smiled and added, “Could it be that since Fourth Miss is now betrothed to the Danyang Marquis’s household, she no longer associates with me?”
The Old Madam glimpsed a hint of hope in his words—it seemed he hadn’t completely given up on Qingyuan. She replied, “Commander may not know, but my fourth granddaughter’s engagement to the Danyang Marquis’s household was called off long ago. She didn’t come because, now that you’re engaged, she feared her presence might cause gossip, which wouldn’t be good if it reached Second Miss Mu’s ears.”
Hearing this, Shen Run smiled, “When discussing matters properly and openly, why fear gossip? Though I’m to be married, that doesn’t mean I can’t associate with other young ladies.”
The Old Madam fell silent, understanding his implied meaning. He meant that though his marriage to the Mu family was settled, it didn’t prevent him from having other interests. If Qingyuan came to ask for his help, he would still assist for her sake, but seeking favors always came at a price. If she came, the matter could be resolved, but as for her status—that would be another matter entirely.
At this point, the decision rested with the Old Madam. Shen Run stood and walked to the doorway, where servants were busily making festive arrangements—everything was ready, just waiting for a bride.
His attitude of indifference was exactly like that of an unscrupulous merchant—this was his final offer, take it or leave it. This time he wasn’t negotiating with money, but with people.
How shameful it was! The Xie family, a household of great standing, never imagined they would end up having to sacrifice a daughter to fill a hole. What was more tragic was that from wife she would become concubine, or worse, not even that—perhaps spending her whole life as an unofficial mistress in a separate residence. In the future, when official titles were bestowed on wives and children, Fourth Miss would have no part in it… But now that they were backed into a corner, what choice did they have?
The Old Madam stood up, struggling to maintain her dignity, and smiled, “That’s true, you young people can speak freely with each other—there’s not much to discuss with an old woman like me. I’ll take my leave then, and have Fourth Miss come seek your advice later.”
This response hit the mark, and Commander Shen maintained his cultured manner, saying warmly, “I’ll have someone escort you, Old Madam. There’s no need to worry—after all, there’s been no news from the palace yet. With me there before His Majesty, nothing will go wrong.”
The Old Madam responded twice, and seeing the household steward approach, she politely declined the offer of an escort.
Since she declined, Shen Run stood on the steps with his hands clasped, “In that case, I shall await Fourth Miss’s visit. When the time comes, it would be best if Old Madam personally escorts her.”
The Old Madam couldn’t remember how she left Shen’s residence, feeling only a heart full of frustration. As she walked, she said, “This Shen Run, taking advantage of people’s difficulties—he’s no true hero.”
Nurse Xu, accompanying her, supported her and said, “He has never cared about his reputation. Everyone in Youzhou knows what kind of person he is; it’s no surprise he would do such things. But Fourth Miss has a strong will—I fear she won’t agree to this.”
“Burdened by her mother’s actions, she couldn’t hope for a good marriage anyway, but to end up like this—it’s still hard to accept,” the Old Madam sighed deeply. “When a young lady is too beautiful, it’s like having a banner above her head, attracting the covetous eyes of men. What schemes won’t they resort to? As for Fourth Miss… it’s difficult to speak plainly. With her temperament, if she knew, it might cause a great disaster.”
Nurse Xu hesitated: “Does Old Madam mean to deceive her into going? If so, Fourth Miss will be thrown away just like that—can Old Madam bear it?”
If speaking of whether she could bear it, naturally she couldn’t. These children all carried her blood, they were flesh of her flesh. But what did it matter if she couldn’t bear it? At this critical moment, protecting the master was the top priority. As for this granddaughter taken in halfway—it would be as if she had never existed, what of it?
The Old Madam sat alone until dusk, lost in heavy thoughts. After sighing repeatedly without result, she turned to look outside, where the sunset painted the entire sky. A flock of birds beat their wings as they flew past, becoming seven or eight small black dots against the sky before dispersing east and west in an instant.
She finally made her decision and called out: “Request Fourth Miss to come.”
Yuequan received the order and went to Danyue Pavilion. Chuntai happened to be at the door and came forward to greet her: “Sister, why have you come at this hour?”
Yuequan nodded, “Is Fourth Miss inside?”
Just as the words fell, Fourth Miss emerged from the inner room. The young girl’s figure was somewhat slight, wearing a jade-pin green dress. Standing in the remaining sunset light, her face still carried a hint of a smile as she asked, “Did Grandmother send for me? Have the others arrived?”
Yuequan said, “Only you were summoned. The Old Madam hasn’t seen anyone else since returning from the Commander’s mansion.”
Qingyuan heard this and said she understood. “You go back first, I’ll change clothes and come shortly.”
Back in the room, Baoyin furrowed her brows as she arranged Qingyuan’s hair, saying softly, “It seems the Old Madam still intends to use Miss for her plans. Miss should be very careful.”
How could Qingyuan not know? Now that the engagement with the Danyang Marquis’s household had been called off, there was nothing left to consider. The Old Madam had already visited the Commander’s mansion once, and Shen Run likely hadn’t been gracious—in the end, they would still need her to appear. With nowhere left to retreat, she had no choice but to steel herself for the visit, though since he was now getting engaged, meeting him now would inevitably be awkward.
Though reluctant at heart, she had no alternative. After preparing herself properly, she went to Huifang Garden. Passing through the moon-shaped gate, she saw the Old Madam standing under the eaves. She stepped forward and curtsied, “Grandmother summoned me, do you have instructions?”
The Old Madam gave her almost no chance to refuse. Turning her head, she ordered Nurse Xu to prepare the carriage while holding Qingyuan’s hand, saying, “My good child, Commander Shen has proved completely immovable. He won’t give me any face at all. In this situation, you should still consider the father-daughter relationship and try to mediate with your father one more time! Just this once—if it doesn’t work, then it’s fate, but at least you will have tried your best. Don’t let them say you’re being aloof, watching your father in his time of trouble.”
Qingyuan smiled bitterly to herself. Everyone would put labels on her, demanding she see the bigger picture, requiring her to show filial piety, yet no one had ever cared about her feelings. She had been prepared for this before coming—the Old Madam’s arrangement wasn’t unexpected. Since there was no escape anyway, she said, “It’s almost dark, it wouldn’t be proper for me to go alone. Perhaps Grandmother could have one of my brothers escort me?”
“No need for them. Like last time, we’ll go together, grandmother and granddaughter.” The Old Madam smoothed her temple hair, looking at her in the evening light—this delicate young girl was her youngest granddaughter. Suddenly feeling somewhat sorrowful, to quietly push someone in like this was truly a great humiliation for the Xie family. But there was no other choice… no other choice…
Qingyuan forced a smile and asked, “Grandmother, what’s wrong?”
The Old Madam came back to herself and said, “I know you don’t want to go, and yet I’m forcing you now—you’re being wronged. Fourth Miss, it was my selfish desire that made me bring you back from the Chen family, and you must resent me for it. But we are flesh and blood of the closest kind. No matter how much you hate or resent, you are still a child of the Xie family—without your father, how could there be you?” It was as if she was convincing herself, trying to feel more at ease with her conscience. Looking at the sky, seeing the time was about right, she took Qingyuan’s hand—holding it tightly—and led her onto the carriage.
During the journey, the Old Madam fell silent. Qingyuan vaguely sensed something, but because she was going to see Shen Run, she wasn’t as afraid as she had been on her first visit. Her unease came from how their circumstances had changed. When the carriage arrived outside the Commander’s mansion and she saw the large red lanterns hanging under the doorframe, she truly realized that he was getting engaged.
The Old Madam didn’t get off the carriage, saying softly, “Go on, Grandmother will wait for you here.”
Qingyuan nodded and entered the threshold alongside Baoyin. Inside the threshold, the same matron from last time was waiting. Seeing Qingyuan, she respectfully curtsied and said, “Fourth Miss has arrived, I pay my respects to Fourth Miss. Please follow me, the master has been awaiting you for some time.”
Qingyuan heard Matron Zhou call Shen Run ‘master,’ unnecessarily aging him by ten years. But this was probably to make it easier to address the Mu family’s daughter later—after all, as the principal mistress of the household, calling her ‘First Lady’ wouldn’t be appropriate.
She walked along the long corridor that ran through Shen’s mansion, but this time she didn’t follow it to the end. Halfway along, Matron Zhou stopped, turned back with a smile, and said, “Miss knows, doesn’t she? The East Court is the master’s residence, the West Court is the Second Master’s residence. The master is waiting for Miss in the East Court, please proceed.”
Two maids came forward with lanterns, curtsying gracefully as they said, “We pay our respects to Miss. Please follow us.”
Qingyuan nodded and said “Thank you for your trouble,” following them across the vermillion threshold. As Baoyin made to follow, she was stopped by Matron Zhou, who smiled and said, “The master and Fourth Miss have matters to discuss. Having Baoyin Miss present would be inconvenient. Tea and refreshments have been prepared in the front tea room. Baoyin Miss should go there for some refreshments. When Fourth Miss calls for you, someone will inform you.”
Baoyin had been feeling uneasy all day. With her miss going into that residence alone, she really couldn’t feel at ease, so she said, “Matron, our miss is young and timid, and you see it’s already dark…”
Matron Zhou’s face broke into a broad smile, “This is the Commander’s mansion, what does Baoyin Miss have to worry about? You care for your miss, but how do you know your miss isn’t a treasure to our household?”
Baoyin was stunned by Matron Zhou’s words. Matron Zhou didn’t explain further but called someone over who, through a combination of pulling and persuading, led her to the other end of the long corridor.
Though Qingyuan had been to the Commander’s mansion twice now, this was her first time entering Shen Run’s garden. His residence was far more elegant than she had imagined, with barrel-vaulted wooden buildings and beam heads carved into lotus petals and flower calyxes. Among military officers, few could be as refined as him—he paid attention to his appearance, had his clothes perfumed, his accessories custom-made, and every time she saw him, not a hair was out of place. Among those rough men reeking of sweat, he was like a flower. Now, entering the world he had built, she was increasingly amazed at how much thought he had put into the art of “living.”
The young maid with the lantern escorted her to under the eaves, then quietly withdrew. She lifted her skirts to climb the steps. In the flickering lamplight, someone casually approached from the wooden corridor, wearing a cloud-patterned crepe robe for lounging at home. The soft fabric swayed with his steps, creating an illusion of walking through the water under the scattered light.
He stopped five steps away from her and greeted her: “You’ve come?” His tone was certain.
He was completely sure she would come. Qingyuan felt embarrassed by her circumstances. There was no need for unnecessary courtesies, so she lowered her head and said, “You already know why I’m here?”
He folded his arms, leaning casually against a pillar. “You this, you that—not even a proper form of address?”
Qingyuan had no choice: “Commander, my purpose…”
“The Commander doesn’t know your purpose.” He smiled slightly. “Fourth Miss, think carefully again.”
Qingyuan took a breath. “Shen Run…”
He frowned. “I hear Fourth Miss has a favor to ask of me. Is this how one asks for favors?”
She was getting a headache—this person’s affectations were endless. Looking around and seeing no one else present, she swallowed her pride and called him “Brother Shouya,” “My purpose…”
He raised his slender, fair right hand to indicate she needn’t continue. “Don’t rush to plead for the Xie family. First, let’s be clear about one thing—your Old Madam has given you to me. Did you know that?”